Edward James "Jim" Otto

Edward James "Jim" Otto passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at St. Patrick Hospital. He was born Sept. 7, 1930, in Forsyth to Walter and Alice (Sharkey) Otto. Jim grew up in Ingomar, where he spent his early years. He moved at age 6 to Livingston, where he graduated from elementary and high school in 1948.

After graduation, Jim worked in the railroad shops for Northern Pacific in Livingston for three years. In 1951, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Alaska until 1955 when he was honorably discharged.

He met his devoted wife Joann Grant on a blind date while training in the Air Force in Mobile, Alabama, in 1953. They were married there in August of 1955. They had 60 wonderful years together.

They returned to Livingston in 1955 and he continued to work as a laborer for the railroad. He had a very successful career of 41 years working in Livingston and Missoula as a signalman for Northern Pacific Burlington Northern Railroad and later Rail Link from 1948-1990. He was a member of Railroad Signalman's Union and served as secretary.

After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Joann in his motor home. They spent the winters in Parker, Arizona, and later moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 2002.

Jim returned to Missoula in October 2012 as he wanted to spend his later years in Montana, which was always home to him. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in Montana. A favorite hobby of his was to collect miniature cars.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joann Otto; cousins, Pat (Kathy) Mellen of Missoula, Kathe Westphal of Great Falls, Rick Sharkey of Whitehall, Cecil and Jim Sharkey of Washington, D.C.; brother, Patrick Moore of England; and Tommy (Wylene) Farrow and families in Alabama.

A memorial service for Jim will be held at Garden City Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the community room. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to a charity of your choice. Jim will be remembered by family and friends as a very kind and gentle man.

Messages of condolence for Jim may be sent to missoulafuneralhomes.com.


Read Edward Otto's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.